Diabetes and varicose veins: A dangerous combination

People who have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes sometimes worry that the disease won’t allow them to be treated for their varicose veins.

On the contrary, people with diabetes should always be on the lookout for signs of varicose veins and report them to a doctor immediately. Both diseases damage the circulatory system and the additional weaknesses caused by varicose veins could make the effects of diabetes worse.

Diabetes causes high levels of sugars in the blood. Among other problems, this causes veins to weaken. It can also cause weight gain, which is a risk factor for varicose veins. Because both diabetes and varicose veins have a negative affect on circulation, the two illnesses together can speed up bad consequences. Advanced diabetes might result in nerve and tissue damage in your legs, where varicose veins are also most common.

Although diabetes doesn’t cause varicose veins, the two diseases together are likely to increase the symptoms of both and possibly lead to life-threatening complications. Otherwise healthy people might be able to slow down the effects of varicose veins by exercising more or resting their legs regularly. But if you already have diabetes, talk to a doctor immediately when you see signs of varicose veins. They can be successfully treated, which will allow you to concentrate on staying healthy.